Donuts, Uno & Bale Runs: Another Full Day on the Ranch

Another early wake-up for me just after 7. S got the coffee going after 8 and checked in on Papa with a quick call to his folks. Things seem to be on the mend. Our morning took a small detour when the gate wouldn’t open as Chuck and Debby were heading to town for donuts. S headed down, sorted it out, and soon they were on their way. Sheldon just submitted his tractor photo for his beer run yesterday so it has been added, be sure to flip back and see this funny photo.

Back at the house, the donuts were enjoyed with more coffee and lots more visiting, followed by a few lively rounds of Spite & Malice. A quick rain shower gave us a game break, then we dove into a new favorite—UNO Flip—for a couple of fast-paced rounds.

Lunch came and went before the afternoon slump hit and it was nap time for Chuck, Debby, and S. I took advantage of the quiet to jot down some blog notes, then leashed up Harley for a much-needed walk after yesterday’s rainy washout. The sun peeked out just in time, though it remained a cool and damp 17°C.

Back home, I gave the table top another coat of walnut stain oil, then drilled more drainage holes into a few planters still feeling soggy from nearly two inches of rain. S woke and hooked up the dump trailer to deliver three bales to the Stouts' horse boarding spot down the road.

Right on cue, Amanda arrived with a keypad issue on #3—yes, maybe it really is time for a replacement. We chatted while the kids hunted for cats and climbed on bales—their ranch visit staples.

Debby joined us post-nap, and Chuck headed out with S to load and deliver two more bale runs, getting a total of eight over there. Games continued inside: another round of Spite & Malice, with the younger boys jumping in to learn UNO Flip then the girls. The bale crew wrapped just in time for a cold beer before 6.

Crokinole made a quick appearance while supper was prepped, and Craig arrived after a long catch-up day at work. The evening rolled on with card games, a crackling campfire, plenty of snacks, and chilled beverages. 

many of these photos are compliments of Deb :)

Harley enjoyed being right in the thick of things.. AKA right in the way :)

typical Sheldon campfire

Archie was quick to catch on to Qwixx game

We finally wrapped up around 11:30, then S and I curled up for a couple more episodes of 1923—the perfect ending to another event-filled day on the ranch.